In 2014, the state switched the city's water source to the Flint River to save money and residents began to complain about the quality of tap water. Michigan officials insisted it was safe to drink, even though an internal memo at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services warned that lead poisoning rates were higher than usual for children under 16. The state continued to say the water was safe until a Flint pediatrician reported in September that there was an unusually high level of lead in Flint children. Lead is an extremely dangerous neurotoxin and can cause children to suffer brain damage.
A spokesman for Rick Snyder said the Michigan governor didn't become aware of the blood lead issue until October.
Bloomberg via Getty Images
But Sanders, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for president, said on Saturday that an apology wasn't enough.
“There are no excuses. The governor long ago knew about the lead in Flint’s water. He did nothing. As a result, hundreds of children were poisoned. Thousands may have been exposed to potential brain damage from lead. Gov. Snyder should resign,” he said in a statement. "Because of the conduct by Gov. Snyder’s administration and his refusal to take responsibility, families will suffer from lead poisoning for the rest of their lives. Children in Flint will be plagued with brain damage and other health problems. The people of Flint deserve more than an apology."
Sanders' main rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, Hillary Clinton, has also called for an explanation of what Snyder's administration knew and said that the situation was "unconscionable." The former Secretary of State has also called on Michigan to pay for water purchases from Detroit for Flint residents until their water is safe again. Clinton also sent Amanda Renteria, her national political director, and Mike Schmidt, a policy adviser, to Flint this week to meet with Flint Mayor Karen Weaver about the situation.
David Murray, a Snyder spokesman, said that the governor didn't become aware of the blood lead issue until October 1 and that Sanders' demands didn't contribute to solving the water issue now.
"The best thing for the people of Flint is that every effort is focused on solving this emergency, getting the aid needed to help the residents, and ensuring that clean drinkable water is restored to the city," he said in a statement. "Political statements, and finger pointing from political candidates not involved in finding solutions for Flint, only serve to distract from solving this crisis."
Sen. Bernie Sanders gathers with members of his family after officially announcing his candidacy for the U.S. presidency on May 26, 2015 in Burlington, Vermont. (credit:Win McNamee via Getty Images)
Bernie Sanders On The Campaign Trail(02 of10)
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Sen. Bernie Sanders delivers remarks at a town meeting at the South Church in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on May 27, 2015. (credit:Win McNamee via Getty Images)
Bernie Sanders On The Campaign Trail(03 of10)
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Sen. Bernie Sanders receives a standing ovation while speaking at a town meeting at the South Church on May 27, 2015 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. (credit:Win McNamee via Getty Images)
Bernie Sanders On The Campaign Trail(04 of10)
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Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks at a campaign event at Drake University on June 12, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa. (credit:Scott Olson via Getty Images)
Bernie Sanders On The Campaign Trail(05 of10)
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Sen. Bernie Sanders greets guests at a campaign event at Drake University on June 12, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa. (credit:Scott Olson via Getty Images)
Bernie Sanders On The Campaign Trail(06 of10)
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Sen. Bernie Sanders greets guests at a campaign event at Drake University on June 12, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa. (credit:Scott Olson via Getty Images)
Bernie Sanders On The Campaign Trail(07 of10)
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Buttons sit on a table during a campaign event for Sen. Bernie Sanders at Drake University on June 12, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa. (credit:Scott Olson via Getty Images)
Bernie Sanders On The Campaign Trail(08 of10)
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Richard Rarick shows his support as he waits for the start of a campaign event for Sen. Bernie Sanders at Drake University on June 12, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa. (credit:Scott Olson via Getty Images)
Bernie Sanders On The Campaign Trail(09 of10)
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Sen. Bernie Sanders chats with supporters during a visit to his Iowa campaign headquarters on June 13, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa. (credit:Scott Olson via Getty Images)
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Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks during a news conference to discuss legislation to restore pension guarantees for thousands of retired union workers, in front of the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. on June 18, 2015. (credit:JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
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